Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Last year Gayle contacted me about the Celtic Knot Scarf pattern that was published in Crochet Today - March 2012. Gayle made it into more of a stole that can be worn over a minister's robe. As Gayle and I emailed back and forth about the pattern, I learned about Sarah for whom Gayle was making this special stole.

Sarah comes from a strong family of faith that has had it's share of hardships and challenges. Yet, through it all they have trusted in God and continued to serve others.

This Celtic Knot stole was made in honor of Sarah's ordination last year - I think Gayle did a great job with it and it looks wonderful on Sarah.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Last year in honor of the Crochetville Designer Blog Tour I published a free pattern - The Celtic Knot Bracelet.

Soon afterwards Jen from Sage Yarns in N. Falmouth, MA contacted me about the pattern and using it in her shop as a fun crochet kit. Her friend, Celeste Young, put together a photo tutorial on their blog showing how she made the bracelet.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Here is another accessory pattern to celebrate St. Patrick's Day - The Roses and Shamrock Necklace.

This pattern has been published in the February 2015 issue of Crochet World - The magazine can be purchased here.

This necklace uses traditional Irish crochet techniques for making roses and a shamrock. It is made with the lovely Nazli Gelin Garden 3 Egyptian Cotton crochet thread. Here it is shown with a simple white band that makes up the necklace length in between the motifs but I think it would also look great with simple strands of large white pearls.

Today my friend, Bonnie Barker, is one of the featured designers for the Crochetville National Crochet Month Blog Tour - be sure to check out her post.. Her new book (Contemporary Celtic Crochet) is a wonderful tribute to Ireland and filled with great instructions to make a variety of projects using crocheted cables. (See my review of this book here)

(If you are stopping by for the first time with the Blog Tour, make sure you scroll down to see the post from March 10th to find the link to a new free Celtic Knot pattern.)

Friday, March 13, 2015

Then it was featured in an episode of Knit and Crochet Now! -
Season 4 - Episode 402.

(More details about where to find the pattern and purchase the episode can be found here and here.)

This design is a simpler version of the Glendalough Shrug.

Last year Carol Chesick emailed me about her journey in making this shrug. She had a few questions about the pattern but did most of it on her own.

Didn't she do a wonderful job? I think it looks great on her.

Here is what Carol says about her experience with this shrug:

I just loved the look of the Kerry Shrug but was a little
intimidated. Not sure I had the skills, but decided to soldier on. I am so glad
I did. I made it to wear to a summer wedding and was actually quite surprised
when no one mentioned anything about it. I guess I expected some reaction.

It was then I walked up on a conversation my adult son and
his friends were having about MY shrug!! I never thought the praise and
compliments would come from the groom and his groomsmen. It was then all their
wives and girlfriends starting complimenting me on making such a beautiful
piece.It was an advanced pattern but
well worth the effort.

I have since worn it not only with a dress but over a shirt
with blue jeans as well. I feel so good in it.

Congratulations, Carol, on crocheting an advanced pattern and successfully creating a wearable piece of art!

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Thank you for stopping by - I hope you have enjoyed the blog tour so far. I have enjoyed reading about each designer in addition to seeing examples of their beautiful work. Many of these designers I have met through CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) events.

I highly recommend becoming a member of the guild. Immediately you have access to all sorts of great crochet resources and become a subscriber to Crochet! magazine. And, then the best part is meeting many talented people who love crochet like you do at a guild meeting or the annual conference. Visit their website to find out more: www.crochet.org. (You can also read about many of the designers' experiences with CGOA throughout this blog tour.)

Last year we had a great time with the yarn bomb I designed and implemented. See the page on the left for photos of all that fun (and for more photos - click here and scroll down).

Since we love all things Irish here at Celtic Knot Crochet, we are offering a new pattern for you in honor of National Crochet Month. It is a quick project that you can make in time to wear for St. Patrick's Day - the Celtic Pendant Necklace.

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In this design the Celtic Knot is added with a decorative button. The two-colored woven edging compliments the knot pattern and is a fun technique to try. Included in the instructions are photos of other color combinations and Celtic Knot options to give the pendant a different look. (This Celtic Knot button I found at my local JoAnn Fabrics store in the button section.)

Please post photos of your finished pendants on Ravelry so we can all see your version and be inspired!

(If you like our combination of crochet and Celtic Knots, be sure to check out more photos of our Celtic Knot Crochet Designs in the page on the left.)

Make sure to check back here throughout the month of March as I feature various crocheters to continue the celebration of National Crochet Month. They have worked hard to turn our yarn bomb pieces into blankets for charity or they give of their crochet talents by teaching. And some have made some Celtic Knot Crochet designs with wonderful results while sharing neat stories along the way. (See the post just before this one about Susan Lowman.)

Thank you to Amy and Donna for all of their hard work on this blog tour! This year, Crochetville, is highlighting the charity, Halos of Hope. They provide knitted and crocheted hats to cancer centers around America. Check out their website here to see how you can donate a crocheted hat or money that would help pay for shipping costs.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

I met Susan almost 3 years ago at a CGOA conference. I enjoyed her gentle spirit and warm smile while we talked. After that conference we were able to keep in touch via email and our friendship grew. She is very generous with her time and advice about crochet, designing, publishing and being a mom. In the photo above you will notice that both of us are wearing similar necklaces.

I took Susan's class to make this necklace at the 2014 CGOA conference in Manchester, NH and was able to wear my creation by the end of the 3-hours. It was great to finish such a unique and pretty project with Susan's help. I love the look of tatting but have not learned it yet so this was a perfect way to get the look by using crochet.

You can buy this pattern (which includes thorough explanations on how to do this technique) on Susan's website here. At the class Susan had several necklaces and bracelets on display using a variety of beads, buttons and thread colors in the design.

Susan has many other beautiful patterns for sale in her shop - I especially like this one -

The Kauni Poncho.

Today I am featuring Susan because of her giving heart and her love of crochet. She has mentored me in many ways and serves others like me through her passion for crochet.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Our family loves to watch cute animals wherever we can find them - in our backyard, around our neighborhood, at a local sanctuary or zoo or even in our home. In our home it may be a funny video on YouTube or the entertaining antics of our mini-dachshund. Hedgehogs are one of these adorable animals that make us smile and say, "Awww". So, I crocheted this design of a hedgehog pincushion based on a sketch by one of my daughters.

The instructions to make this little guy can be found in the April 2015 issue of Crochet World which you can download or order here.

Did you know that March is National Crochet Month?

To celebrate I will be highlighting several crocheters- they may have taken our CGOA yarn bomb pieces and turned them into blankets
for charity, they may have crocheted one of my designs and shared a special
story about it or they are helping to keep the love of crochet alive by
teaching and giving.

Also, on March 10th this will be a stop on the Annual Crochetville Blog Tour - This is a great event taking you all over the web to visit with some of the crochet industry's best designers - http://crochetville.com/ On March 10th I will be offering a new free pattern in honor of the tour. Check back soon!

Designer Blog Tour

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Come learn (or review) the basics of crochet while making a Friendship Shawl. This shawl makes a great comfort gift for a friend or family member who is going through a rough time. We will be working on other smaller projects while practicing various techniques. Several free patterns to choose from to match your skill level. All levels of crochet welcome.

Email Jennifer to register.

Parent/Child Workshop

Crochet Workshop

A 1-Day Workshop

for Parent and Child

Saturdays

Next Workshop: TBA

9:30 to 11:30 am

Local Craft Store Classroom

Learn to crochet together while making a pretty necklace for yourself or a friend. Ages 7 and up.